3 Tips for Incoming College Students

3 Tips for Incoming College Students

 

This blog shares 3 tips for incoming college students. You’ll be starting your college semester in the fall, but are feeling a mix of emotions. There’s excitement in knowing that you’ll experience more independence, meet new people, and possibly live somewhere new. However, it makes sense to feel uncertain or sad to move away from family, friends, or familiar surroundings.

 

There can be space for all of the emotions that come with attending college for the first time. You may be experiencing a lot of pressure to fit in, join a friend group, and acclimate to the environment quickly. However, this life transition can often stir up anxiety, causing you to feel more stressed or nervous than usual. 

 

The first few months adapting to your new environment can be challenging. College isn’t always how it is portrayed in the media, and it can take time to form solid relationships with those around you. You may also be living in a new town and are not yet familiar with the surrounding areas. There are endless scenarios to constitute a valid reaction to feeling anxious around starting school.

 

Starting college for the first time, at any age, can feel overwhelming. There are many unique situations that can leave you questioning if you’re on the right path. 

 

Are you questioning whether your educational journey is worth it? Perhaps you feel like you don’t have the time or resources to start over and pursue your passions. Or, you’re uncertain on what you really want to do in your life. When you’re in therapy in Simi Valley, a dedicated therapist can help you evaluate your choices, values, and more. Consider contacting us today for a free consultation on individual counseling in Ventura County.

 

Seek out school mental wellness resources

Transitioning into college can be overwhelming; whether it’s from high school or the workforce. Most community colleges or universities (should) have mental health resources available for their student body. This can look like having mental health counselors on staff, psychiatrists, or a crisis team. More often than not, universities usually have some kind of free service to offer students; if not low-cost. 

 

If you are able to go through your insurance plan or pay out of pocket for psychotherapy, that is highly recommended as well. However, it is not always possible for college students to have access to a wide range of mental health services. Therefore, having accessible services on campus can still help connect students to the care they deserve. 

 

Especially if you are connected on campus, your counselor may be able to help point you in the right direction for other services. It is likely that they’re farmiliar with other local or virtual programs to provide mental health support. This could be group therapy settings, specialized family services, and more. 

 

Taking care of your mental health in college is a huge priority. However, it is also understandable how with everything going on, mental health doesn’t make it at the top of our list. Our exams, juggling school and work, or settling into new identities can take time and attention. 

 

If you are interested in private mental health counseling, consider reaching out to us for therapy in Simi Valley. We also offer virtual mental health therapy throughout the state of California. Virtual therapy offers flexible options for college students navigating busy schedules.

 

Look into recreational clubs, sports, or activities to attend 

Something drew you to the university you’re going to be attending. Even if you still live at home and commute, there is something that stood out to you about this place. Perhaps it’s the programs they offer, the opportunities it creates, or the general atmosphere of the institution. Maybe it’s in a part of town that you like, or a new exciting city. 

 

Or, maybe it’s what is feasible right now, and you’re not exactly thrilled to be attending there, but don’t have too many options. Whatever your case may be, it is likely that there is still something present for you to relate to and enjoy. It’s also probable that there are other peers attending school with similar interests, reasonings, or ideas for their future. 

 

If you’re attending Moorpark College, for example, you know that the school is notorious for having excellent transfer opportunities. After obtaining your associates degree, you can transfer out to finish a bachelor’s degree at another school. Are there on campus programs or clubs tailored to what you are currently studying?

 

Perhaps you’re interested in participating in activities outside of your education. This could look like getting involved in recreational clubs or sports. Depending on what’s around in your area, consider scoping out gyms, recreational fields, parks, and more. Staying physically active is a great way to cope with stress or anxiety during this time. 

 

Anxiety therapy in Simi Valley, CA provides you with specialized coping skills and practices. Consider reaching out to a therapist near Thousand Oaks, CA today if you are an incoming college student.

 

Get to know peers in your classes and be proactive 

Entering into this stage of life can feel like a fresh start. Perhaps you want to explore or express a certain identity more. That identity can be anything from being passionate about your hobbies, fashion, interests, and career goals. Maybe you’re into sports, changing up your wardrobe, video games, gardening; whatever it may be. 

 

Now is your chance to be who you are and find people that match your energy and interests. Before, maybe you felt like you had to subdue yourself to fit in or appease family or certain social groups. Now, you may experience greater freedom in self-exploration. You don’t need to have it all figured out right now, but there’s no better time to start than now. 

 

Consider being proactive in getting to know peers in your class. Do you classify yourself as a shy or introverted person? It’s likely that there are others in your classes or around campus that do also. Or, maybe you are extroverted, and enjoy having multiple plans per week to grab coffees, go for walks, or set up study groups. 

 

Put yourself out there to introduce yourself and see who you want to get to know. This can be very low pressure where it’s casual and you just get a sense of who you may get along with. You can throw out topics of interest and see who latches on and engages in conversation with you. 

 

Making new friends can be intimidating. Putting yourself out there to be vulnerable and showcase yourself can be scary. Have good intentions with your peers and show up as someone you would want to be friends with. Watch who naturally gravitates towards you as a result.

 

These 3 tips for incoming college students can hopefully provide a good start of various perspectives to take. The way you speak to yourself or think about yourself can dictate what opportunities you engage with. Consider mental health therapy in Simi Valley while you navigate this life transition.

 

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. By clicking here, you’ll read our blog on Information About Simi Valley Therapists.

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

 

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.